Google is testing out a self-destructing email feature

Years ago, spy movies filled our imaginations with weird gizmos. Often, our favorite spy would read his mission briefing from a nondescript letter. Afterwards, that same letter would self-destruct to protect mission control.

In the digital world, “self-destructing” emails quickly become possibilities. Already, independent third-party websites allow users to send emails that delete themselves immediately after they are read. Some sites even offer disposable email accounts that expire after a period of time.

Sadly, the much-needed security feature has firmly remained in sketchy territories, offering opportunities for illicit uses.

With a ton of security concerns plaguing the tech world now, Google hopes to make the feature more accessible to anyone who has a Gmail account.

As part of its major redesign, Gmail is working on a “confidential mode” that offers more security features for its users. Most notable, the feature includes a self-destruct option.

Image source: TechCrunch

Spotted by TechCrunch, the feature prevents users from doing anything to the email other than reading it. It restricts email forwarding, copy and paste functions, and printing.

The timed feature offers options for deletion as long-ranging as a few years. Likewise, Gmail can delete the email as early as after it’s read.

Moreover, Gmail also allows a passcode option which locks the email with a generated code sent to the recipient by SMS. Confidential emails come with a link to read, rather than attaching the entire content off the bat.

Since the feature is still in testing, it doesn’t address security issues just yet. For example, users can still take a screenshot of the email. Also, Google hasn’t clarified if Gmail will encrypt confidential emails or if it’s compatible with non-Gmail accounts. Such options would elevate the feature from a pure novelty curio to a viable security option.

In the meantime, we can expect Google to implement Gmail’s new design and feature within the coming weeks.

Barack and Michelle Obama join forces with Netflix

Netflix announced that former US President Barack Obama and wife Michelle Obama signed a partnership with the streaming service under an entity named Higher Ground Productions over a press release and a twitter post.

President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have entered into a multi-year agreement to produce films and series for Netflix, potentially including scripted series, unscripted series, docu-series, documentaries, and features.

In case you’re wondering why the former White House residents are teaming up with Netflix, the Obamas stated they want to share the experiences of the fascinating people they meet.

The two always believed in the power of storytelling. “We hope to cultivate and curate the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples, and help them share their stories with the entire world,” said President Barack Obama.

Michelle added, “Netflix’s unparalleled service is a natural fit for the kinds of stories we want to share, and we look forward to starting this exciting new partnership.”

“Barack and Michelle Obama are among the world’s most respected and highly recognized public figures and are uniquely positioned to discover and highlight stories of people who make a difference in their communities and strive to change the world for the better,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos, who’s proud to have the Obamas on board.

Android P: YouTubers React

It’s that time of the year again when we make guesses on what the next version of Android will be called. We saw some clues at the Shoreline Amphitheater and this is what your favorite YouTubers think.

Is it going to be Android Pineapple? Android Popcorn? Android Popsicle? Android Pie? Your guess is as good as ours. Sound off in the comments section what you think it will be called!

It’s still unclear how the function would work. When it was discovered, it was also unclear whether Instagram was testing out the option for eventual rollout, until Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom had this to say:

As of now, there’s still no news on when “time spent” would roll out, but the move is unsurprising. Tech companies are now moving towards features that allow users to monitor usage time and statistics. Earlier this month, Google announced similar functions on digital well-being for Android P that includes a dashboard that will give you information on your phone usage.